Noble
Official Occupation
Author: christopherallison
Nobles live by the work of others. In return, nobles
coordinate, speak for, and protect their community. Rulers
and leaders often come to their position through merit, but
many noble offices tend to be hereditary. Nobles can be
surprisingly accessible, welcoming chances to display their
courage, prowess, generosity, and wisdom.
In Glorantha, many nobles are also priests. Among the
Orlanthi, chiefs and kings are also priests, and the martial
aristocracy called thanes evolved out of the priesthood in
the Second Age. During this time, it was discovered that an
armed militia of farmers and herders could be overcome by
a smaller band of elite troops. Chieftains chose their com-
panions to fulfill this martial role among the community
instead of the priests. It should be noted that thanes are
always thanes to someone else; such allegiances fit nicely
into the Orlanthi concept of loyalty to their chosen leaders.
Where nobility is also a priestly office, adventurers still
use the skills and equipment list given below.